Perfect Spots for Louisiana Photo Ops

At a Glance 

• Top Louisiana photo spots include Jackson Square in New Orleans and the Louisiana State Capitol’s 27th-floor observation deck in Baton Rouge, the tallest in the U.S.
• Natural backdrops include sunset views over Lake Martin and Toledo Bend Reservoir, plus the 20-acre Afton Villa Gardens in St. Francisville.
• Quirky must-see stops include the Giant Strawberry Statue in Ponchatoula and the 900-year-old Buddha statue at Jungle Gardens on Avery Island.

There’s no better way to memorialize your Louisiana trip than to take tons of photos along the way. Whether you’re in front of the camera or behind it, you’ll be sure to get great shots with Louisiana’s photo-ready locations. Point, click, upload and await comments, likes and shares!

Best Photo Ops in Louisiana

• Jackson Square in New Orleans' French Quarter. Take the steps up from Decatur Street to the wall atop the edge of the Mississippi River and capture the St. Louis Cathedral (the U.S.’s oldest).
• The Louisiana State Capitol’s observation deck in downtown Baton Rouge. Louisiana’s 34-story Capitol is the U.S.’s tallest, and the 27th floor’s open deck offers birds-eye views of the 30-acre Capitol Gardens and a statue marking Capitol patriarch Governor Huey P. Long’s gravesite. (The observation deck is closed for renovations until late 2027, so look for its reopening announcement!)
• Statues of Elvis Presley, James Burton and Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter. The three innovators in American music with ties to the immediate area are within walking distance in downtown Shreveport. The local Louisiana Hayride live concert radio show in the 1950s launched Presley’s career, and statues of him and longtime bandmate (and Shreveport native) Burton are outside the show’s venue, the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium. Lead Belly, a Mooringsport native and a pioneer in Southern Delta blues, is commemorated outside the Caddo Parish Courthouse on Texas Street.
• Colorful sunsets above flooded cypress and lowland tree stands at Lake Martin and Toledo Bend Reservoir. Access Lake Martin off Louisiana Highway 31 just south of Breaux Bridge. The best bets for Toledo Bend photos are in the towns of Logansport and Zwolle, at La. Hwy. 6’s lake crossing and at South Toledo Bend State Park west of Anacoco.
• Check out the Giant Strawberry Statue in Ponchatoula. In 2018, a nine-foot, seven-inch tall berry was unveiled outside City Hall in advance of the Louisiana Strawberry Festival. The statue was designed by Covington sculptor and movie prop builder, Valek Sykes, specifically with social media in mind.

• Be the star of the shot and pose with the Lafayette sign located downtown at Parc Sans Souci. The sign is available for artists, non-profits and volunteer groups to paint throughout the year with different themes.
• Enjoy a peaceful stroll through 20 acres of the carefully manicured Afton Villa Gardens. Here you’ll find flowers galore, beautiful sculptures and the ruins of the Afton Villa mansion.
• 900-year-old Buddha statue that rests within a massive bamboo forest at the Jungle Gardens in Avery Island. Nearby in New Iberia, Rip Van Winkle Gardens features 15 acres of semi-tropical gardens and unique stone statues nestled among 350-year-old oak trees.
• Many cities in Louisiana, like Ruston and West Monroe, have beautiful murals that make for the perfect photo backdrop to show off your travels.
• Hold a baby alligator and snap some pics at Gator Chateau in Jennings. Gator Chateau fosters the gators until they are able to be released back into their natural habitat.
• Go on a hike through the Kisatchie National Forest and look for Wolf Rock Cave, which dates to 2500-1000 BC.
• Catch an amazing sunset on the water at the 29-acre Prien Lake Park in Lake Charles.

Don't forget to tag @Explore.Louisiana and #OnlyLouisiana in your photos!

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the best places to take pictures in Louisiana? 

Louisiana offers photo opportunities ranging from historic architecture and colorful public art to cypress swamps, botanical gardens and scenic lakes. Popular locations include Jackson Square in New Orleans, the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge, Lake Martin near Breaux Bridge, Afton Villa Gardens in St. Francisville, Jungle Gardens on Avery Island and Prien Lake Park in Lake Charles.

Where are the most Instagrammable places in Louisiana? 

Some of Louisiana's most photogenic destinations include Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Statue, the Lafayette sign at Parc Sans Souci, the murals of Ruston and West Monroe, and the scenic gardens of Avery Island and St. Francisville. For nature photography, Lake Martin and Toledo Bend Reservoir offer striking landscapes, particularly around sunrise and sunset. 

Where can you photograph historic architecture in Louisiana? 

Jackson Square in New Orleans is one of Louisiana's most recognizable photography locations, with St. Louis Cathedral, historic buildings and views toward the Mississippi River. Other options include the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge, the historic streets of St. Francisville and the gardens and historic ruins at Afton Villa Gardens.

What are the best places to photograph Louisiana's swamps and bayous? 

Lake Martin near Breaux Bridge is a popular destination for photographing Louisiana's wetlands, with cypress trees, Spanish moss, reflective water and abundant birdlife. Toledo Bend Reservoir offers scenic water views and colorful sunsets, while Jungle Gardens on Avery Island combines lush vegetation, bamboo groves, historic statuary and subtropical landscapes. Visit during favorable light and respect wildlife and posted access restrictions. 

Where can you take sunset photos in Louisiana? 

Lake Martin, Toledo Bend Reservoir and Prien Lake Park in Lake Charles are excellent places to consider for sunset photography. Their waterfront settings can provide colorful skies, reflections and expansive views. Arrive before sunset to explore potential compositions, and check local access hours so you have enough time to enjoy the location safely. 

Where can you find colorful murals and public art in Louisiana? 

Ruston and West Monroe are known for colorful murals that make distinctive backdrops for travel photos. Lafayette's sign at Parc Sans Souci is another popular photo opportunity, with artwork that changes as artists and community groups create new designs. Public art offers an easy way to capture the character of Louisiana's towns and cities while exploring local shops, restaurants and cultural attractions. 

Can you take professional photos at Louisiana's gardens and attractions? 

Photography policies vary by attraction. Casual travel photography is generally welcome in many public spaces, but botanical gardens, historic properties and other attractions may have rules for tripods, commercial photography, portrait sessions, drones and special equipment. Check the property's official visitor guidelines and obtain any required permission before arranging a professional shoot.